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New Zealand biotechnologist From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Roberta Lee Farrell CNZM FRSNZ is emeritus professor at the University of Waikato, New Zealand and a researcher of international renown in the fields of wood degradation, bioremediation, mycology and enzymology.[1][2]
Roberta Farrell | |
|---|---|
 Roberta Farrell at Hut Point | |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | University of Illinois |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Wood degradation Bioremediation Fungi Enzymology |
| Institutions | BSc University of Missouri PhD University of Illinois |
| Website | Farrell at the University of Waikato |
Originally from the USA,[3] Farrell received her bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri, St. Louis[4] followed by an MSc and PhD from the University of Illinois, Urbana.[2][4] Farrell conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Chicago 1979–1980 and at The Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT from 1981 to 1984.[4]
Farrell started her career as a biotechnologist in the US, as associate director of research – industrial enzymes with Repligen Corporation in Cambridge, Massachusetts.[4] She then became executive vice president and chief operating officer of Sandoz Chemicals Biotech Research Corporation and Repligen Sandoz Research Corporation.[1][4] In 1995 she took a sabbatical PAPRO, Forest Research Institute in Rotorua, New Zealand[5] and shortly after she emigrated and became a professor at Waikato University.[1]
Since 2013, Farrell has been an emeritus professor at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand.[1] She also was an adjunct professor at North Carolina State University from 2008 until 2013.[2][6] Farrell is recognised as an expert in cold-tolerant fungi and in the microbes and enzymes that affect wood;[6] her work has had substantial impact in the biochemistry and biotechnology fields, specifically in the areas of enzymes, fungal ecology, bio-control, and cellulose.[3][6][7]
Farrell also has led an international team on numerous expeditions to Antarctica.[1] Her work in Antarctica has contributed to an understanding of the degradation of the Antarctic historic huts and artifacts and associated fungi,[1][3][8][9] and she has performed critical work in the preservation of Ernest Shackleton's and Robert Scott's huts.[1][6] She also contributed to some of the pivotal discoveries on microbiology of the McMurdo Dry Valleys.[1][10]
Farrell was connected to private sector scientific research, and held a Directorship for Parrac Limited, where she was a founding scientist.[3][11][12] She also was Founding Scientist of ZyGEM Ltd.[3][11]
In total, Farrell has published over 100 research papers and book chapters,[1][7] and holds 30 patents.[1] Her research was featured in the documentary "The Green Chain" as well as in Māori Television’s “Project Matauranga”.[1]
Select awards and honours include:
2015 – Appointment to University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa Centre of Microbial Ecology and Genomics Advisory Board.[2]
2011 – Named Influencer of the Year, Unlimited Magazine, Auckland, NZ.[1]
2009 – Companion of The New Zealand Order of Merit for services to biochemical research.[1][3][6] Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Missouri-St Louis.[13]
2008 – Science Entrepreneur of the Year award at KuDos, the Hamilton Science Excellence Awards,[6] appointment to Board New Zealand Foundation for Research Science and Technology.[3]
2007 – Invitation to present Sir Holmes Miller Lecture, Wellington Branch New Zealand Antarctic Society, 22 November 2007.[1][2]
2005 – Elected Fellow of The Royal Society of New Zealand.[1][2][14]
1998 – Elected to the Academy Board of International Academy of Wood Science (1998–2004).[1][2]
1990 – Elected Fellow of International Academy of Wood Science
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